September 20, 2021

How to get students to enjoy studying math

Effective teachers’ pay attention to both the motivated and the less motivated students. Here are multiple ways to motivate high school students in mathematics, based on inner and extrinsic motivation.

Why do students struggle learning math?

It is difficult to relate to

Math is a subject that is quite abstract. Students best learn when they can apply concepts to real-life situations. This can be difficult to do when math concepts get more complex. Many students discover that they must work harder and practice longer in order to comprehend more abstract arithmetic topics.

It's too black and white

When it comes to arithmetic, there is no space for error. Your child either knows or does not grasp what he/she is doing. Math may easily become a frustrating and stressful experience for children as a result of this.

It builds on itself

Math is a cumulative subject, which means that everything builds on the previous knowledge. Before moving on to new topics, you must first master the fundamentals. If you fall behind in one area, it can be difficult to understand advanced topics.

There is a mindset that math is difficult

Students who go into arithmetic anticipating it to be tough are more likely to give up if they don't understand something. This can swiftly spiral into a downward spiral of low self-esteem, motivation, and performance.

Memory vs. Learning

Math is a topic in which many students just remember concepts and formulas without truly comprehending them. This may work for a while, but when students are confronted with more complex problems, they often find themselves unable to solve a problem because they lack the problem-solving abilities required to tackle new challenges.

How do you motivate students for math?

Students require inspiration. You can assist them in becoming more motivated by supporting them and assisting them in any way possible during math class. When teaching math, you must be a motivator for your students. When you have a positive attitude regarding math, it will instantly rub off on them, inspiring them to enjoy it as well. Get pumped up about math!

Show them that they can succeed in anything they try. You can also create teams so that students can help and motivate each other. Encourage your students to work together to solve math problems.

What is the best way to study math?

Mathematics is one of the most criticized subjects. Students who dislike math sometimes experience high levels of anxiety before tests and even homework and find assignments difficult. Here are some tips to help you on your studying journey.

When to do your homework

Quite often we leave our homework sitting there for a couple of days or even until the night before it is due. It goes without saying that homework is critical in math since it requires you to apply what you have learned. Consider it part of your practice even if your course structure doesn't require you to send in homework or awards you extra credit for it.

When it comes to math, it's essential to finish your homework as soon as possible so that the concepts remain fresh in your mind. You will likely find it easier to learn the topics and discover difficult areas if you complete your homework and assignments after each lesson.

Take extensive notes

If you just take minimal notes in class, you will feel lost. Take thorough notes of what your professor is saying during a lecture instead of simply copying the examples or formula on the board. When you go back over your notes or do your homework later, you may find that these notes are just what you need to tackle a difficult problem.

Get help from your teacher

It is fine if you can't bring yourself to ask a question in class, you can always approach your teacher or tutor after class. Make sure to get the help you need in order to make your life easier and avoid falling behind.

Tips to help your students enjoy math

Creative teaching

Answering questions from a textbook is boring for students. To make math fun, simply be creative with your teaching. This can be done in a variety of ways:

  • Combine math with art by getting students to create artistic patterns using a compass. This will allow them to practice using the instrument whilst also allowing you to teach concepts of circle theory like radius, circumference, etc.
  • Tap into the competitive nature of your students by making games out of your math lessons.
  • YouTube has a wealth of interesting videos involving math that you can capitalize on. Using these videos can help break up the strenuous brain exercises of complex equations.

Real-World Problems

You will often hear students say When will I need to use this in the real world? Allowing them to use their skills in the real world will make them believe what they are learning can be applied. At the start of a lesson, introduce a practical application that is of genuine interest to your students.

Incorporate history

Math has an incredible history which is lost in the black and white pages of textbooks. To spark enthusiasm and motivation in students, get them to investigate and learn about the history behind the concepts they are studying.

Calculus, one of the most important and intriguing advancements in mathematical history, was jointly conceived by two of history's most famous and bright minds, Gottfried Leibniz and Isaac Newton. Mathematicians and their friends disputed and claimed the original discovery at the time which is what makes this a fascinating history.

Student Planner

Using a student planner such as Studyo will allow students to plan, schedule, and stay on track when they are not in the classroom which will enhance their enjoyment, mindset, and enthusiasm when learning.

What services does Studyo offer?

  • Increase student autonomy using tools within a Learning Management System. Studyo allows users to self-manage, take initiative, and confidently solve challenges both in and out of the classroom.
  • Studyo also encourages the user to make a plan for the next steps that will help them start their task on time.
  • Students are more likely to succeed when they are given clear instructions to follow. Our planner features progress tracking, configurable templates, and step-by-step assignment breakdowns, making it simple to stay organized and plan for coursework.

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